Hall of Fame coach George Allen once considered asking Andre the Giant to try out for the Redskins. That idea never went anywhere, but another pro wrestler is now trying to get a shot in the NFL.
Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com reports that Andy Leavine, who won the WWE’s Tough Enough reality show in 2011, participated in Florida International University’s Pro Day workout on Thursday.
The 6-foot-4, 307-pound Leavine was a left tackle at Florida International from 2006 to 2009 and spent some time in training camp with the Dolphins in 2010. After the Dolphins cut him he decided to try his hand at pro wrestling, and although he had some success in the squared circle, he was released from the WWE in 2012. That’s when he decided to get back into football shape.
“I haven’t played for three years but I know what I can do athletically,” Leavine said. “I know if you put me in front of somebody I can tear them apart. I’ve still got it in me. You never know what door is going to open when one closes. We’ll see what happens.”
If Leavine wasn’t good enough to make an NFL roster in 2010, three years away from the game probably didn’t get him any more ready to play in the pros. But there’s a long tradition of NFL players transitioning into pro wrestling, from Bronko Nagurski to Bill Goldberg. Maybe Leavine can make it work in the opposite direction.